Shapeways Materials Tried

So far, I have tried these materials from Shapeways.  Here's my pov.

Frosted Detail...Nice detail, but the texture is inconsistent.  It varies from smooth to rough.  No consistency.  I wasn't fond of it, so I moved on.

Black Acrylic...segmented.  fuzzy.  Worst one yet for holding tolerances on simple shapes.  Don't like it at all.  Detail success rate depends on which side of the acrylic its one.  One side is worse than the other.

Stainless Steel...if you are dead certain your print is done to your specifications,  I rally like the Stainless Steel.  Finished it has the look of a metal cast product.  It looks porous but Im very happy with it.

Black Acrylite...pending...waiting on product ordered in this material.

Magno's Sold...

Well...I cant lie.  While I don't regret selling them, I cant help but feel a little melancholy.

Outside of a few GEAG's, a few red Falcons and a Awesome Silorg Warrior...Im one pending sale away from having sold  them all.  2 empty shelf cases.  I was so very proud of that collection.  Still am.  Im thankful I was able to find good respectable homes for their care.  A piece of me goes with each one.  Nothing lasts forever in this world.  I don't have any kids and they'll never name a street after me.  But I can pass these along.

Thanks to everyone who took part in my sale or plan to.  And my thanks to everyone who helped me build this awesome collection of Magno's in the first place.

If I had it all to do over again...I would.

Big Man Toys

I just want to give a shout out to my good friend over at Big Man Toys...Lee.

Lee has really taken his craft to new levels.  Self educated with 3D modelling and really pushing himself.  So much so I was more than happy to ask his help when Bry was overloaded with work.

I'm only a craftsman.  Lee is a true artist/sculptor.  And it shows in his modelling.  Lee modelled Jades/Ronins head and did an excellent job.  Im only sorry I wont be adding artwork to the figure so I can give him the credit he deserves.

Lots of VERY COOL goodies over at Bigman Toys, great prices and tons of very down to earth and practical advice.  You'll find the link to his site on the right hand side of this blog under "Homeworlds Hot List".

Well worth the visit.

Mounted Missile Pack

It looks a bit different without the ball adapters.  Looking at it now, I may have to redesign the Centaurus body (if possible) or these wont fit the Centaur form.  But I think they look not too bad.

 

Ready to order...$15.00 each...$7.50 S/H...Tracking +$5.00

Available in Black And White for Sultan and Flight Commander...
Black and Gold (gold is air brushed) for Overlord.

Mini Missile Pack "WITH" Pics

Bry modelled the holder and the nose cones.  I made the masters for the missile bodies.  Bry had modelled the bodies, but Shapeways had issues with it being so small.  We think the missile fins most likely.  As it is, it was just as well as I needed the missile body in 2 parts for easy casting.  More initial work, but less headaches down the road.

The result?

Its the proto.  The 1st one.  Its raw and not finished.  It needs a wash and some clear coat.  The missile cones are tinted red.  NOT painted.

Im liking this a lot!  But to anyone familiar with the Micronauts/Microman/Palisades and related magno figures, It looks a bit odd on the figure without the ball adapters on the end of the missile.  Its a good fit otherwise and sure spices up the figure.  I'll post a pic of it mounted to Sultan later tonight.

Mold: A Definition From A Casting Perspective

What is a mold? 
A mold is a hollow encasement that when filled produces a desired shape.
That's the easy question.

How do I make a mold? 
Believe it or not, there is no wrong answer to that question.  The answer depends on many variables.  You have to consider the part, where to put the mold break line, orientation, sprues if used, are you doing multiple pours, can part be easily removed from the mold, how many are you making and many other possibilities.

I have made a 4 piece mold.  As long as its tight fitting, make 6 or 7 piece molds if need be.  Don't be afraid to get creative.  There is no wrong way to make a mold.  If it works...you did it right regardless of how you did it.

However there are some methods for making basic molds that really an make life simple.

Its time we reviewed and updated Garage Kit Casting.